Mrs.Whitford's 4th grade

Hello families,

You may have heard your child talk about a Growth Mindset. If you haven’t, ask! They are becoming experts!

A growth mindset celebrates the work, determination, and mistakes that are made in the learning process. It is a topic all of Maples is exploring all year long.

Below is a link to the video series we have watched so far this year to help us understand the differences between a Growth vs. Fixed mindset.

https://ideas.classdojo.com/b/growth-mindset

 

Continue to encourage your student in all that they do!

• Mrs. Whitford

Good morning!

Eureka Math is off and running. So far, we have used all 3 books in class and at home. We’ve also been able to utilize the dry erase boards for daily practice. If able, we would love some Extra Fine Point Dry Erase markers. The spaces to write in are fairly small and using the large chisel tip markers makes work somewhat messy and student’s are running out of room. Thanks in advanced!

A note about math homework…
We have homework in our Succeed book at least twice a week. Homework will likely be a few problems from each lesson at a time. We will go over the homework in class and students are expected to circle the problem numbers that are assigned. We will check and scan our homework the next day. Homework is going to be part of the student’s responsibility grade for their report card.

If you have any questions about Math please let me know!
Thanks and have a great day!

– Mrs.Whitford

Hello.

I just wanted to send you a few links to items we are discussing in class.

First, we took a few moments to talk about Sept. 11th and Patriot’s Day. Students were very respectful and wrote about someone they consider a hero. I am keeping these writings as their first writing sample. Here is a like to the video we watched. I wanted to share it with you in case you had any questions. Brain Pop 9/11

Also, we have been focused on Growth Mindset. That is something we will be working on throughout the year. Below is a link to the Class Dojo videos we have watched. Growth Mindset

And just like that, we are back in the swing of things!

Welcome to 4th grade and welcome to room 312.

I am so thrilled to be teaching 4th grade this year. Last year was my first year at Maples. I taught 5th grade. While it was a great year, I have a feeling this year may be the best yet! Before coming to Maples, I taught Kindergarten and 5th grade at a charter school in Taylor. I was also an instructional aide for 5 years in an elementary school. I have worked with every age group and I feel I belong in upper elementary.

A few areas to take note of for this week:
Math Homework) We will begin taking home our Math homework books tomorrow. We are NOT ripping pages out as we go. Students need to be responsible for their book. Perhaps make sure it is in their backpack when they are done with their work. Treat it as their planner, something you see every day and know that they have it with them when they leave in the morning. The district ordered just enough, so if it is lost or ruined, then we will have to talk to Mrs. Jakubik and see how to problem solve. Only 1 homework book per student.

This Thursday we have Open House. You are more than welcome to come up to our room and see what our classroom is like. You will also be able to sign up for conferences in our classroom.

This Friday is a half day. No lunches will be served, but students may bring in a snack. Dismissal on half days is 11:45.

I try to write an update Sunday or Monday and will always send a link on Class Dojo. You may also subscribe to the blog if you’d like.

Thanks for bringing in supplies! I hope your child is having a great start to 4th grade already!

– Mrs. Whitford

Can you believe it? We are almost done with 5th grade!

This week, though short, will be very busy! I wanted to give you a basic schedule for these next (and last) 4 days of school.

Parents: I also wanted to take a moment and thank you for all you do, thank you for allowing me to spend so much time encouraging and teaching your children, and thank you for supporting your child’s education. In my previous years teaching in other districts, it is common to see upper elementary parents out of the loop, not wanting to volunteer as much, and really only available for conferences. It has been a joy to see so many of you so involved at this level in your child’s education. A very happy surprise for me!

Students: Each and every one of you has made an impact on my life. Whether it be teaching me about your culture, telling me jokes, trying your best on a test, or even just a simple “hello” each morning as you walk in the door, it has been a joy to be your teacher this year. I am confident that you will be leaving Maples with the skills needed to be successful in middle school and beyond. Remember, it is up to you what you make of yourself. You always have a choice and I am sure that you are capable of making choices to positively impact your life, not just academically, but also in all other areas that matter to you. Enjoy this last week as elementary students! Enjoy your summer! And may you accomplish all that you hope for throughout your life.

– Mrs. Whitford

This week’s schedule:
Monday) Rehearsal for Promotion @8:50 in the gym
Summer learning assembly with Mrs. Shajira @2:00 (for students only)

Tuesday) Cleaning out lockers/desks
Field trip to Mercury Lanes @12
We will return to Maples around 3:00

Wednesday) Rehearsal for Promotion in the morning
Promotion Ceremony @2:00

Thursday) Cleaning out lockers/desks
1/2 day, Last Day of School

Good morning everyone!

Just a few reminders about the end of the year here in 5th grade…

With hotter weather, students are needing to dress accordingly. If your child wears shorts, they need to be knee length. Also, shirts should have a sleeve or thicker strap, no spaghetti straps. Also, students should be wearing school appropriate footwear. Sandals are permitted as long as they have a strap around the ankle.

Water bottles are also allowed in the classroom. Maples has no air conditioning. I have brought in a large fan and a smaller table fan, but these may not cool us off as much as we’d like.

Lastly, deodorant is something many of the students should be using. Hotter weather = more sweat!

If you have any questions, please let me know. Hope you had a good weekend!
– Mrs. Whitford

Good morning!

Today we will began NWEA testing. We are starting with Math this week. Next Monday morning we will take Reading and next Wednesday morning we will take Language Arts. The last test will be Science, on Tuesday May 29th. If your child is absent or does not finish a test, they will be given time in class to complete their test.

Due to all that we have left to teach and all the events happening in the school for many different things, our schedule is not the same as most 5th grades. We are all trying to end on a good note and fit in a lot of curriculum with just 4 weeks left!

Thank you for understanding!

Good afternoon,

Today your child will be bringing home a permission form. On Friday, May 11th we will be visiting Stout Middle School to tour and ask questions. It is our orientation day! No chaperones are needed for this trip. It does not cost money. We need the permission form back by Wednesday, May 9th.
Even if your child is not going to Stout, they will be attending some form of middle school next year and it will be a great learning experience to see how middle school life is different and students will get to ask actual middle schoolers questions. It is a big transition time for everyone!

We will be leaving Maples at 9:00 and will return by 11:30, so it is important your child is to school on time and we will be back in time for lunch.

Thanks and have a great day!

Hello,
Just a quick note about the weather…

As we are nearing the end of the school year, temperatures will be going up! While this is a great sign that summer is close, it is also a reminder that our school building is very old and we do not have air conditioning. Please remind your child to dress appropriately. Shorts are permitted, but be sure they are an appropriate length. Also, we will be having more outdoor recess, which means more times of being in the sun. On sunny days, you may want your child to put on sunscreen or bring some to keep in their locker in case we spend time outside. Lastly, students are allowed to bring in water bottles from home. These can be reusable plastic or metal, but please no glass. Thanks and enjoy the sunshine!
– Mrs.Whitford

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to remind you that we will continue testing this week. Tuesday and Wednesday we will be working on the Math M-Step test. This Thursday students will also take the Social Studies M-Step test. Thursday’s testing will be in the morning and afternoon. Due to all the testing the students have, homework will be limited to nightly reading logs, spelling practice, and just a few math/science/ELA practices. I want all students to put their energy and focus into their testing 🙂

Lastly, a note about our field trip to Greenfield Village will be coming home with students tomorrow. If you would like to be a chaperone, please ensure the office has your information and that you have the school’s permission to be with us. The field trip is scheduled for Monday, April 30th. The form will give more information tomorrow. If you have any questions, please message me starting Tuesday.

Thanks and hope you had a good weekend!
– Mrs.Whitford